Managed Vs Unmanaged Server: Which One You Should Choose, Why and When?

Choosing a server can seem like an easy task, but it’s actually quite dauting. There are many different types of servers, such as dedicated, shared, cloud and  VPS, not to mention managed and unmanaged servers. As a startup owner, you have to look beyond the basic things when you are building your IT infrastructure. It is not about just choosing a managed server or unmanaged server.

An unmanaged server might be a good option for large businesses who have a big IT team to manage their IT infrastructure. On the flipside, a small business might find comfort in opting for a managed dedicated server because they lack the skills, expertise and resources to manage their own IT infrastructure.

If you want to make the right choice, you need to understand what managed and unmanaged servers actually are, what are the key differences between them and which one you should choose for your business. This is exactly what HOSTNOC will cover in this article.

What are Managed Dedicated Servers?

Managed dedicated servers are fully managed by the service provider. Their specialized engineers and technicians are responsible for everything from configuring, handling and monitoring your servers. Choosing managed dedicated servers will free you up from the daily server administration and management.

With a managed dedicated server, you also get a wide range of cybersecurity attacks such as DDoS attacks, malware infection and data breaches. What’s more, your data is also backed up and can easily be restored. Since it is managed by seasoned professionals, you can expect consistent performance and stability.

Pros and Cons of Managed Dedicated Server

Pros:

• Ease of Use
• Support
• Monitoring and Maintenance

Cons::

• Higher cost
• Less control
• Little deployment flexibility

What are Unmanaged Dedicated Servers?

Unmanaged dedicated servers give you full control over your servers as you are completely responsible for everything from hardware to software. Yes, this is a much cheaper option as compared to managed dedicated servers but you have to manage everything on your own. The service provider will only be accountable for smoother functioning of hardware while everything else is responsibility of your business.

Pros and Cons of Unmanaged Dedicated Server

Pros:

• Complete control
• Lower cost
• More room for customization

Cons:

• Higher administrative overhead
• Requires technical knowledge
• Time consuming

What are the Key Differences Between Managed Servers and Unmanaged Dedicated Server?

There are some key differentiating factors that separate managed dedicated servers from unmanaged dedicated servers.

Support

Probably the biggest difference between managed server hosting and unmanaged dedicated servers is of support. When you choose a managed dedicated server, you get full support from the service provider. The managed dedicated server provider ensures that everything is working according to the plan so you don’t have to worry about business disruptions and delays.

Price

Another aspect that differentiates managed servers from unmanaged dedicated servers is the price. Unmanaged dedicated servers usually have a much lower price as compared to managed dedicated servers because you are the ones who are managing everything, not the service provider. This is good news for businesses who need a dedicated server inside their budget but they will have to pay for everything from maintenance, updates and monitoring.

Control

If you are one of those who needs more control over their dedicated servers then, you should go for an unmanaged dedicated server. It will give you the level of control that you will not get with a managed dedicated server. With an unmanaged server, you can customize everything from hardware to software. You can configure your dedicated servers according to your business needs. It gives you the flexibility to install scripts and run your favorite operating system and apps,

Maintenance

Choosing a managed dedicated server saves you from the worries of server administration, monitoring and maintenance. All of these things will be taken care of by the service provider. On the other hand, an unmanaged servers puts you in the driver seat and you will have to perform all the server maintenance and monitoring related tasks. If you have resources to deal with server maintenance and monitoring, you should go for an unmanaged dedicated server otherwise, you must select a managed servers.

What To Expect From a Managed Dedicated Server?

Here is what you should expect from your service provider when you opt for a managed dedicated server.

• Setup, maintain, and provide support for the server which includes everything from hardware to software, to network connectivity.
• Provide a reliable method for all software and security updates as well as the ongoing maintenance of the operating system.
• Setup, configure, and support the essential services that run on the server
• Configure, maintain, and support the software that operates the above services
• Provide support for the control panel account software platform provided
• Assist with the installation and configuration of development platforms included with the OS or website software.
• Depending on the host, some website CMS software should be supported..
• Deliver accurate, reliable, and consistent information & communication if an issue is discovered or submitted.
• Collect and deliver active, ongoing monitoring information for all major server services.

What To Expect From an Unmanaged Dedicated Server?

Here is what you can expect from an unmanaged dedicated server provider.

• Network connectivity and support
• Hardware support
• System level monitoring
• Data center infrastructure

You should also keep in mind that an unmanaged dedicated won’t provide you with following services.

• Assistance with coding development or modification
• .htaccess customizations
• Custom CMS customizations
• Support for WordPress themes or plugins
• Custom software installation
• Configuration of third-party software

Managed Vs Unmanaged Dedicated Server: Which One You Should Choose?

Think of buying a dedicated server like making a long term investment. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both managed and unmanaged dedicated servers. Moreover, you should also keep the differences between managed and unmanaged dedicated servers in mind before making the final decision.

To make it easier for you to decide between the two options, here are some questions you need to answer.

• Can you install and maintain all the software and applications you need?
• Can you ensure the safety and security of the dedicated server and its data?
• Can you troubleshoot problems caused by a poorly configured server?
• Can you handle server administration, monitoring and maintenance yourself?

If you are unsure about any of these, a managed hosting solution although expensive will give more peace of mind

Which one would you choose between managed and unmanaged server and why? Share it with us in the comments section below.